Cooler temperatures could affect peach trees

The full-grown peaches are usually ready to be picked by mid-May, but low temperatures can prevent a bountiful crop.

This Saturday or early Sunday, Ben Jones says temperatures are expected to hit a low around 32 degrees.

"32 is freezing. So, it's possible that it could kill some of the fruit. It depends upon the stage of the fruit," said James Brown, a professor of Horticulture at Fort Valley State University.

He doesn't expect extensive damage to the peach crop unless the temperature drops a few degrees lower to the mid-20s. Brown says at this stage, peach farmers should be maintaining their trees. like pruning them of extra branches and spraying for harmful bugs.

"Preferably, at the beginning of flowering stages is when you want to spray for insects and disease control and you want to stay on a steady schedule," he said.

That means spraying at least once a week. Brown says a bad crop isn't just bad for the farmers.

"If we receive serious damage, the price will sky-rocket, but I don't expect that to happen," he said.

Picking season for peaches generally start in mid-May and ends in July.